Pia Wurtzbach, Adrian Lindayag, Markki Stroem call for awareness on HIV/AIDS

(From left) Markki Stroem, Janlee Dungca, Lorenz Olleres, Pia Wurtzbach and Adrian Lindayag. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

Pia Wurtzbach, Adrian Lindayag, and Markki Stroem called for more awareness of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), as they pushed all sectors to work together in keeping the public informed about the effects of the virus.

Wurtzbach, Lindayag, and Stroem were among the celebrities who stressed the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness as part of the Department of Health’s (DOH) “U=U” campaign in a World AIDS Day event on Sunday, Dec. 1, at Chardonnay by Astoria in Pasig City.

They were also joined by Castro & Associates Public Relations managing directress Janlee Dungca and ADP implementation specialist Lorenz Olleres.

In her speech, Wurtzbach stressed the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS, noting how the event was an opportunity to “reflect on what needs to be done.”

“I feel like World AIDS Day is a time to reflect on what needs to be done, the lives that we’ve lost, but also the hope and the goal that is out there. That is very much achievable,” she said. “It is possible to live a healthy long life if you can take that step into getting treatments — and consistent treatments to reach an undetectable status. It is very much possible. Testing is there, it’s free.”

The former beauty queen also noted that while there’s “no excuse for Filipinos to be living with HIV,” it’s also a reminder for themselves to push for more awareness about the virus.

“Treatment is also free, so there’s really no excuse for Filipinos to be living with HIV. But that’s also why our work continues because, unfortunately, every year the cases go up but that doesn’t mean we will stop with our work. Hopefully, we reach that 2030 goal of ending AIDS,” she said.

In a recent report by DOH, HIV cases in the country may reach 215,400 before the year ends.

LOOK: Pia Wurtzbach, Adrian Lindayag, Markki Stroem, Janlee Dungca, and Lorenz Olleres called for more awareness on HIV/AIDS at a World AIDS Day event in Pasig on Sunday, Dec.1.

The event was organized by the Department of Health, Philippine National AIDS Council, and… pic.twitter.com/1JtMQ9qXo6

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 2, 2024

Lindayag, on the other hand, pointed out that the youths also need to be informed about the importance of HIV testing while reiterating that “accessible” language is essential in spreading its message.

“While the campaign is moving forward, we’re making it more accessible which I think is more fun,” he said. “Bumaba tayo sa message ng mga kabataan. ‘Yun ang panawagan ko sa ating lahat (Let’s improve our messaging for the youth. This is my call for us).”

The actor made his HIV diagnosis public in April 2024 during the rehearsals of the Philippine staging of “Rent,” in hopes of curbing stigma against the virus.

“Let’s continue to spread the message so it transforms the way people view not only those living with HIV virus in general, and how it’s possible for someone to live a full and normal life. And it’s normal to have a healthy romantic relationship with a partner,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stroem recalled the time when he was studying in Switzerland, and how people were more aware of the effects of the virus. This led to him being “confused” about how it was seen as taboo in the Philippines while underscoring how the public needs to be more informed about HIV/AIDS.

“I hope that HIV/AIDS will be seen [more] in the media… I think it’s very important for everyone to know their status. It’s going to be spread and the entire virus will continue to evolve. We want to end this by 2030, right? We’re going to push for that,” he said.

Wurtzbach is set to auction off her personal belongings during her Miss Universe 2015 stint at a charity gala on Tuesday, Dec. 3, which is hosted in collaboration with LoveYourself. The organization is composed of volunteers from various sectors that provide free HIV testing and treatment.